HEARTLAND SET TO LAUNCH FIRST ORIGINAL SERIES IN JANUARY

The Heartland Network, Luken Communications’ country music and lifestyle television channel, is set to launch its first original series, More Than the Music, on January 9, 2017. More Than the Music will air on Tuesdays and Sundays at 8:00 p.m. Eastern/Pacific.

This innovative new show, hosted by Stacy Newman, takes the viewer everywhere from our own studio in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to recording studios in Nashville, to popular venues and music festivals across the country. Along the way, the series will feature the musicians who inspire us – both those at the pinnacle of success and those still making their way to the top. More Than the Music combines everything – intimate artist interviews, live performances and some of your favorite music videos. The first season’s guests include Naomi Judd, Colin Hay, Scotty McCreery, John Paul White, Charley Pride, Elizabeth Cook, Kevin Costner, Korby Lenker, Bobby Osborne, Tracy Lawrence, Mo Pitney, Lucas Hoge, Lillie Mae, Nicole Atkins and many more.

Joel Wertman, President of Luken Communications, said, “With Heartland’s recent growth and renewed purpose, making the leap into original production is the obvious next step.” Wertman continued, “Our goal with this series was to bridge the generational chasm. Our team has set out to bring the legends, rising stars, and aspiring artists in country, bluegrass and Americana to fans hungry for more, and I believe our finished product will leave everyone pleased.”

More Than the Music host Stacy Newman was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit. She moved to Tampa, Florida for college, where she studied film and media production. Stacy relocated to Tennessee in 2007 to be near her family. Though her sights were first set on making a move to a larger metropolitan area, Stacy fell in love with the Heartland and the rest is history. Growing up so close to Detroit and Ann Arbor, Stacy was fortunate to have access to a wide variety of exemplary live music venues, and indulged in the privilege by seeing acts of all genres perform as often as possible from an early age. Stacy is a performer herself — she is a classically trained euphoniumist who dabbles in performing and recording with rock bands.

Heartland features programming comprised of syndicated and first run shows along with digitally restored content pulled from the vaults of Music Row, creating a country music and lifestyle experience that brings delight to lovers of every generation and genre. The program lineup includes WSM Radio’s Coffee, Country & Cody, Reflections with host Keith Bilbrey, Bluegrass Ridge, Country StandardTime, Music City Tonight, Texas Music Scene, Gaither Gospel Hour,Larry’s Country Diner, Country’s Family Reunion and several popular video blocks. The network’s newest additions include Songs and Stories with John Berry and Paula Deen’s Positively Paula. In celebration of its fifth anniversary, Heartland recently launched its own Roku® channel.